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Hacker Quote by Ted Koppel

“None of these people has suggested that there is anything simple about sabotaging a grid; they say only that the capability exists, an opinion shared by specialists who have no financial interest in the field. When I asked Janet Napolitano, who is now president of the University of California…” quote by Ted Koppel
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““None of these people has suggested that there is anything simple about sabotaging a grid; they say only that the capability exists, an opinion shared by specialists who have no financial interest in the field. When I asked Janet Napolitano, who is now president of the University of California, what she thinks the chances are that a nation-state or independent actor could knock out one of our power grids, she replied, “Very high—80 percent, 90 percent. You know, very, very high.””

Ted Koppel

About This Quote

Source Interview: PBS NewsHour, 2007

The quote stresses that grid sabotage is technically possible and likely, as experts agree on the capability despite lacking financial motives.

In simple terms: Grid sabotage is possible and likely.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and mitigate grid vulnerabilities.

Themes

security infrastructure risk politics

Mood

concerned urgent

Type

analytical informative

When to use this quote

  • policy planning
  • energy sector
  • emergency preparedness
  • government oversight

Key Concepts

cybersecurity critical infrastructure national defense

Questions to Reflect On

  • What safeguards are currently in place?
  • How can we balance security with transparency?
A Different Perspective

High probability may be overstated without concrete evidence.

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